MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM — If there is an area of Saskatchewan that can be labelled “exotic,” it is Watrous-Manitou Beach, located about 150 kilometres up Highway 2 north of Moose Jaw.
On a hot summer day, the heat of the sun beats down on Manitou Lake and its shallow valley. For generations, area residents and visitors have soaked it in from the beach while enjoying an ice cream treat. Others cool themselves with a float in the mineralized waters that First Nations people believe have healing properties.
The district sits in the heart of Canada’s grain belt and includes the Town of Watrous and the Village of Manitou Beach, the latter located four kilometres north of the town. As a unit, the Prairie friendliness and generosity of their residents amplify the calming natural aesthetic of the area.
The recreational escape has attracted tourists for more than 100 years by making accommodations for every member of the family, from Little Johnny to Grandma Margaret.
The Watrous-Manitou Beach recreation area boasts a wide variety of recreational and cultural amenities and events. In the summer, the focus comes to Manitou’s three beaches where swimmers can venture into the cool, salty waters to discover its amazing buoyancy.
For those less enthusiastic about a dip in the lake, the Manitou Springs Resort Hotel and Spa provides the same healing swim in a heated setting. Patrons can further retract from weekday stress with a visit to the spa for a massage or esthetic service.
Golfers of all kinds can hit the fairways on three different facilities. Athletes who prefer a ball can play nine holes on the par 36, 3048-yard Manitou Beach Golf Club, or tap in the kids and play miniature golf across the road. Meanwhile, disc golfers can play one of the first private, 18-hole courses in the province at Murray Disc Golf Course just south of the Manitou and District Regional Park campgrounds.
Watrous hosts many more amenities for sports enthusiasts, with a swimming pool, groomed baseball diamonds, skating and curling rinks, a bowling alley and much more.
The arts play a strong role in Watrous-Manitou’s popularity as well. The historic Danceland dance hall continues to operate lakeside with weekly dances held throughout the summer season featuring country, polka, old-time and rock music from the 1950s and 1960s.
The building is internationally renowned for its horsehair dance floor and ability to attract some of the most popular polka and old-time music acts in Canada.
Walking along Lake Avenue from Danceland to the Main Beach, pedestrians can browse art, antique and gift shops or check out various cafes, bars and restaurants. The village also has one of the last few drive-in theatres operating in the province, where the family can enjoy the sunset with an outdoor movie experience.
Among the major events hosted at Manitou Beach are a selection of arts festivals. Musicians and performance artists move in July 21 and 22 for the Manitou Beach Busking Festival before the writers and readers gather Aug. 4 and 5 for WOW Manitou (Wonder of Words Literary Festival).
The annual Manitou Beach Chainsaw Carving Festival hits the stage a week later, while the annual Manitou Music Festival occurs in September.
In Watrous, the event of the summer involves the rubber meeting the road. The annual Watrous Fun Run Show and Shine will take place on July 29. Hosted by the local chamber of commerce since 1992, the show features vintage, custom and unique vehicles from throughout Western Canada.
Motorheads will find plenty to marvel at with the 250 cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles that line Main Street for the occasion.
The twin communities have plenty of options when it comes to overnight stays. Watrous hosts conventional hotel and motel rooms at an economical rate. Besides the resort and spa at the lake, various accommodations are available, including small rental units. There are several bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from, providing everything from fine dining to beach-side burgers and fries.
For those who prefer to camp, the Manitou and District Regional Park sits above the village just a walk up the hill. The campground facilities include 230 serviced sites on a property within easy reach of the golf course, the drive-in, the beach and various walking trails.
For more information, visit the Watrous-Manitou Beach Recreation Area website at watrousmanitou.com and townofwatrous.com.
